The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) provides an opportunity to look at how students approach learning as well as how they perform in certain areas. This study analyzed PISA results, focusing on aspects of student motivation, self-belief, and use of various…

Argues that in the European School (ES) program, younger students should learn in their own language, as opposed to in English, which is widely practiced at international schools. Suggests specific language learning according to ES' four stages: (1) nursery school; (2) primary school; (3) middle school; and (4) upper school. (CW)

Describes School for International Training (SIT) in Battleboro, Vermont, academic arm of Experiment in International Living. SIT develops individuals' knowledge of world issues and use of cross-cultural communication skills. Details stages of SIT model: formal study; field experience (internships, travel abroad); reflection (evaluation); and…

States that it is common for international schools to take ever-younger children into early-childhood programs, unaware of the possible negative effects of doing so without mother-tongue support. Urges schools to examine their admissions practices as well as the research available on successful foreign-language acquisition in younger children. (NB)

States that making simple comparisons of test results between different schools, countries, or subjects can often produce misleading results. Illustrates the kinds of problems that can arise by investigating the results obtained by candidates from Egypt in Cambridge International Examinations' June 1998 International General Certificate of…